# Vici

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Up to €1,500,000
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: preproposal → full proposal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/nwo-talent-programme-vici-science-2026
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For senior researchers. Four domain variants: Science, SSH, AES, and ZonMw (Health R&D). Individual applicant; Dutch knowledge institutions. Enables researchers to develop their own line of research.

## Summary

The NWO Vici grant offers up to €1,500,000 over five years for senior researchers in the Netherlands to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative research agendas. Available across four domains, Science, Social Sciences and Humanities, Arts and Economics, and Health R&D, Vici targets researchers ready to lead teams and break new ground in their fields. The programme runs annually with domain-specific deadlines; it is the flagship tier of the NWO Talent Programme for established investigators.

## Who should apply

- Senior researchers with an established research track record and leadership potential
- Researchers hosted at a recognised Dutch knowledge institution (university, research institute, medical centre)
- Applicants across Science, Social Sciences and Humanities, Arts and Economics, or Health R&D domains
- Researchers with a vision to develop a distinct, innovative research line and grow a research team

## Key dates

- Annual deadlines vary by domain; check NWO's domain-specific calls for exact dates
- Two-stage submission: preproposal first, full proposal only on a positive preproposal decision
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Vici panels prioritise vision and independence, articulate how your proposed research departs from your prior work and positions you as a leader.
- Link your research ambitions to team-building and mentorship; Vici funds group leaders, not lone researchers.
- Tailor your proposal to the specific domain's priorities; Science, SSH, AES, and Health have distinct panels and weightings.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I get from an NWO Vici grant?

Up to €1,500,000 over five years for a research project and team development.

### Who is eligible for NWO Vici?

Senior researchers with an established track record, hosted at a recognised Dutch knowledge institution, applying through one of four domains: Science, SSH, AES, or Health R&D.

### Is the NWO Vici grant annual?

Yes, NWO runs Vici annually, with domain-specific deadlines throughout the year.

### Can researchers outside the Netherlands apply for NWO Vici?

No, applicants must be hosted at a Dutch institution; international applicants must have a Dutch host.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-vici-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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